Four charged with car theft

Four youths are facing criminal charges after allegedly stealing a car, then crashing it.

The four boys — three from Duncan, one from Lake Cowichan — are suspected of jacking a grey, 2005 Lincoln LS in Nanaimo on Thursday, and then crashing it into a concrete barrier on Friday.

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP officers were called to the crash scene on Lakes Road at Beverly Street at about 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 19.

“(The vehicle) had gone through the roundabout and off the road, colliding with a concrete barrier,” Cpl. Kevin Day wrote in an e-mail to media.

“Witnesses advised that four males exited the vehicle, emptied the contents of the trunk, and then fled eastbound across a foot bridge and down a trail.”

Police, meanwhile, initiated a search for the boys with the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services.

The suspects were located a short time later, and taken into custody.

“All four males were later released on a promise to appear with a charge of possession of stolen property over $5,000,” Day added. “All four males are young offenders.” Police continue to investigate the incident.